Sep 18 2015
Corindus Vascular Robotics, Inc., a leading developer of precision vascular robotics, has released a new documentary film, "Robotics Reducing the Burden of a Life in the Cath Lab," to highlight the impact that protective lead apparel has on physicians practicing in catheterization labs and how robotics are employed to help solve these problems.
The documentary features noted interventional cardiologist Dr. Vijay S. Iyer, who serves as Medical Director of Structural Heart Interventions at Gates Vascular Institute, Kaleida Health, in Buffalo, N.Y.
Dr. Iyer credits the CorPath® System with providing an alternative solution to constantly wearing heavy lead apparel to protect him from radiation. The CorPath System is the first and only FDA-cleared device for robotic-assisted PCI. The CorPath System protects interventional cardiologists from occupational radiation exposure and brings robotic-assisted precision to coronary angioplasty procedures.
"The radiation that comes from the X-ray machine is a constant threat to us, but by wearing the lead to protect myself, I ended up with serious back injuries," said Dr. Iyer. "My most recent surgery kept me out of work for six weeks, and many patients waited to have their procedure until I returned. I knew if the stress on my spine continued, the injury could put an end to my career as an interventional cardiologist."
Dr. Iyer has experienced multiple spinal disc herniations and has had four surgeries as a result of continual stresses on his musculoskeletal system from wearing traditional heavy, lead-lined apparel in the cath lab. Physicians wear the gear to protect themselves from the constant exposure to ionizing radiation during procedures in cath labs. Interventional cardiologists often perform multiple procedures each day, standing for hours, leaning over their patients while wearing a significant amount of weight, which can lead to musculoskeletal and orthopedic injuries.
"The CorPath System allows me to step away from the patient table, take my lead off, and sit down at a radiation shielded workstation where I have robotic control of the wire, balloon and stent," explained Dr. Iyer. "I’m no longer going to work every day dreading that back injury could make it the last day I'm an interventional cardiologist."
For Dr. Iyer, the CorPath System has offered him a chance to continue doing the work he enjoys without the stress and strain of heavy protective equipment that exacerbates his back problems. Musculoskeletal injuries such as Dr. Iyer’s represent one type of occupational health risk linked to radiation exposure in the cath lab. Other potential risks that have been documented include cataracts, cancer, brain tumors, and thyroid diseases.
"Dr. Iyer’s story highlights the serious risks linked to occupational radiation exposure in the cath lab that, if ignored, may cost many interventional cardiologists their health and careers," said David Handler, President and CEO of Corindus. "Hospital leadership and administrators need to leverage the technology now available to create a work environment for physicians to preserve their health and perform their jobs safely and effectively. The CorPath System offers unique advantages of protection and robotic precision for PCI procedures."
The complete video can be accessed at http://www.corindus.com/physician/dr-iyer's-story/. For more information about the CorPath System, visit www.corindus.com.
Source: http://www.corindus.com/